Free Will Astrology

Astrology

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September 11, 2024

ARIES March 21-April 19

One of the longest bridges in the world is the 24-mile-long Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana. During one eight-mile stretch, as it crosses Lake Pontchartrain, travelers can’t see land. That freaks out some of them. You might be experiencing a metaphorically similar passage these days, Aries. As you journey from one mode to the next, you may lose sight of familiar terrain for a while. My advice: Have faith, gaze straight ahead and keep going.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

My horoscopes don’t necessarily answer questions that are foremost in your awareness. This might annoy you. But consider this: My horoscopes may nevertheless nudge you in unexpected directions that eventually lead you, in seemingly roundabout ways, to useful answers. The riddles I offer may stir you to gather novel experiences you didn’t realize you needed. Keep this in mind, Taurus, while reading the following: In the coming weeks, you can attract minor miracles and fun breakthroughs if you treat your life as an art project. I urge you to fully activate your imagination and ingenuity as you work on the creative masterpiece that is YOU.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

The Gemini musician known as Prince got an early start on his vocation. At age 7, he wrote “Funk Machine,” his first song. Have you thought recently about how the passions of your adult life first appeared in childhood? Now is an excellent time to ruminate on this and related subjects. Why? Because you are primed to discover forgotten feelings and events that could inspire you going forward. To nurture the future, draw on the past.

CANCER June 21-July 22

You are lucky to have an opposable thumb on each of your hands. You’re not as lucky as koala bears, however, which have two opposable thumbs on each hand. But in the coming weeks, you may sometimes feel like you have extra thumbs, at least metaphorically. I suspect you will be extra dexterous and nimble in every way, including mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You could accomplish wonders of agility. You and your sexy soul may be extra supple, lithe and flexible. These superpowers will serve you well if you decide to improvise and experiment, which I hope you will.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

The internet is filled with wise quotes that are wrongly attributed. Among those frequently cited as saying words they didn’t actually say, Buddha is at the top of the list. There are so many fraudulent Buddha quotes in circulation that there’s a website devoted to tracking them down: fakebuddhaquotes.com. Here’s an example. The following statement was articulated not by Buddha but by English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray: “The world is a looking glass. It gives back to every man a true reflection of his own thoughts.” I bring these thoughts to your attention, Leo, because it’s a crucial time for you to be dedicated to truth and accuracy. You will gain power by uncovering deceptions, shams and misrepresentations. Be a beacon of authenticity!

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Peregrine falcons can move at a speed of 242 miles per hour. Mexican free-tailed bats reach 100 miles per hour, and black marlin fish go 80 mph. These animals are your spirit creatures in the coming weeks, Virgo. Although you can’t literally travel that fast (unless you’re on a jet), I am confident you can make metaphorical progress at a rapid rate. Your ability to transition into the next chapter of your life story will be at a peak. You will have a robust power to change, shift and develop.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Mythically speaking, I envision a death and rebirth in your future. The death won’t be literal; neither you nor anyone you love will travel to the other side of the veil. Rather, I foresee the demise of a hope, the finale of a storyline or the loss of a possibility. Feeling sad might temporarily be the right thing to do, but I want you to know that this ending will ultimately lead to a fresh beginning. In fact, the new blooms ahead wouldn’t be possible without the expiration of the old ways. The novel resources that arrive will come only because an old resource has faded.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Did you ever have roommates who stole your credit card and used it to buy gifts for themselves? Does your history include a friend or loved one who told you a lie that turned out to be hurtful? Did you ever get cheated on by a lover you trusted? If anything like this has happened to you, I suspect you will soon get a karmic recompense. An atonement will unfold. A reparation will come your way. A wrong will be righted. A loss will be indemnified. My advice is to welcome the redress graciously. Use it to dissolve your resentments and retire uncomfortable parts of your past.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

One of my oldest friends is Sagittarius-born Jeffrey Brown. We had rowdy fun together in our twenties. We were mad poets who loved to party. But while I went on to become an unruly rock and roll musician, experimental novelist and iconoclastic astrologer, Brown worked hard to become a highly respected, award-winning journalist for the PBS News Hour, a major American TV show. Among his many successes: He has brought in-depth coverage of poetry and art to mainstream TV. How did he manage to pull off such an unlikely coup? I think it’s because he channeled his wildness into disciplined expression; he converted his raw passions into practical power; he honed and refined his creativity so it wielded great clout. In the coming months, dear Sagittarius, I urge you to make him one of your inspirational role models.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Let’s hypothesize that you will be alive, alert and active on your hundredth birthday. If that joyous event comes to pass, you may have strong ideas about why you have achieved such marvelous longevity. I invite you to imagine what you will tell people on that momentous occasion. Which practices, feelings and attitudes will have turned you into such a vigorous example of a strong human life? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to meditate on these matters. It will also be a favorable phase to explore new practices, feelings and attitudes that will prolong your satisfying time here on planet Earth.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Few Americans are more famous than George Washington. He was a top military leader in the Revolutionary War before he became the country’s first president. George had a half-brother named Lawrence, who was 16 years older. Virtually no one knows about him now, but during his life, he was a renowned landowner, soldier and politician. Historians say that his political influence was crucial in George’s rise to power. Is there anyone remotely comparable to Lawrence Washington in your life, Aquarius? Someone who is your advocate? Who works behind the scenes on your behalf? If not, go searching for them. The astrological omens say your chances are better than usual of finding such champions. If there are people like that, ask them for a special favor.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Over 15 centuries ago, Christian monks decided Fridays were unlucky. Why? Because they were the special day of the pagan Goddess Freya. Friday the 13th was extra afflicted, they believed, because it combined a supposedly evil number with the inauspicious day. And how did they get their opinion that 13 was malevolent? Because it was the holy number of the Goddess and her 13-month lunar calendar. I mention this because a Friday the 13th is now upon us. If you are afraid of the things Christian monks once feared, this could be a difficult time. But if you celebrate radical empathy, ingenious intimacy, playful eros and fertile intuition, you will be awash in good fortune. That’s what the astrological omens tell me.

Homework: Imagine an adventure you would like to create and tell stories about in the future. Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com

Taste Sensation

Dining Reviews

John Koenig

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September 11, 2024

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Confession: I have a small phobia of big menus.

No shade on the biblical proportions of, say, the Cheesecake Factory menu, but if you’re doing a massive quantity of items it’s challenging to do them all well.

I found an exception to the rule in Chloe’s Kitchen on the Westside (2301 Mission St., Santa Cruz).

She and her team—including her uncle (chef Adam Mo) and husband (Benji Mo, namesake for the shop’s past iteration as Mo’s Dumplings)—do a prodigious amount of things.

The options include pork belly teriyaki, spicy chili chicken, inventive chicken wings, phos, noodle soups, dumpling soups, Sichuan-style fried tofu, stir-fried eggplant and string beans, salt and pepper fried shrimp, kimchi fried rice, stir-fried udon and a bunch more.

And that rundown doesn’t dabble with 1) Chloe’s self-declared specials, including her “magic” ribs, ginger and scallion lobster with fried noodles, and a Laksa Malaysian-style seafood pot with clams, fish filets, shrimp and veggies in a spicy coconut broth, or 2) the dumplings, which qualify as outright dynamite.

This is where I have to thank Good Times reader Michael Mott for the recommendation.

“I’m eating their veggie dumplings in chili oil broth and am honestly so impressed,” he emailed. “Chinese food seems to stick to a boring usual in most California restaurants in my experience. As someone who loves to cook, I found their menu unique, interesting and affordable. Captivating, even.”

Agreed, Mr. Mott.

I tried four different dumplings—pan-fried pork, vegetarian Thai chili dumplings, scallion-ginger shrimp and chicken kung pao—and I’d happily order each again.

Chloe is a native of Guangzhou, China, also known as Canton, one of the most inspiring food cities on the planet.

While she misses the culinary scene back home, she’s clearly psyched to give Santa Cruz a unique diaspora of Asian dishes.

“It’s our favorite things to eat,” she says. “Done with our own style.”

Mott closed his email with a bold statement, but one that I’m inclined to agree with after Chloe’s A+ dumplings.

“I would say this is the best Chinese-fusion restaurant in Santa Cruz,” he writes.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on that front.

Please email ed****@*****ys.com to weigh in.

Chloe’s Kitchen is closed Mondays, and open 11:30am-3:30pm and 4:30-9pm Tuesday-Thursday, and until 9:30pm Friday-Sunday. mosdumpling.com

MORE THAN FAIR

The one and only Santa Cruz County Fair (2601 East Lake Ave., Watsonville) roars on Wednesday-Sunday, Sept. 11-15, santacruzcountyfair.com

Capitola Pier (1400 Wharf Road, Capitola) has re-opened (!!)

Common Roots Farm’s Family Fun Day (301 Golf Club Drive, Santa Cruz) happens 1-4pm Sept. 14, and stars the Banana Slug String Band, commonrootsfarm.org

A rare public opportunity to visit legendary Esalen Institute’s natural hot springs—and bask in their incredible organic meal program—happens with the Esalen Artist Market ($50) on Sept. 15, esalen.org

Humble Sea has live music happening at its wharf beer garden Saturdays (45 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz), a back beer garden flowing at its Swift Street location with its own bar (820 Swift St., Santa Cruz) and a new Sauced in Sandals hot sauce collab with Hella Hot Hot Sauce, humblesea.com

Let’s have Meryl Streep take us out: “The produce manager is more important to my children’s health than the pediatrician.”

Sense of Place

Foodie File

Andrew Steingrube

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September 11, 2024

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Jenna Sue Lupertino says she always dreamed of “having her own little place,” an aspiration turned into reality 18 years ago when she founded her namesake café. Only 22 years old at the time, she had been laying the groundwork for her goal and developing her entrepreneurial spirit long before that.

As a child growing up in the San Lorenzo Valley, she sold sandwiches to her dad’s motorcycle club and co-operated a successful Kool-Aid and candy stand with her friend. Then as a young adult, she worked at several local cafés and restaurants, learning the industry and perfecting her customer service charm.

Jenna Sue’s ambiance combines rustic overtones and organic mountain vibes, the “little cute, sweet hole in the wall” was constructed by local builders with locally sourced redwood and is adorned with local art. The breakfast menu has customizable burritos and bagels, cheese Danishes with fresh fruit and wildly popular coffee cake. Popular lunch picks include salads and crowd-pleasing sandwiches like the Reuben, turkey club and avocado/hummus that Lupertino likens to a “garden on a sandwich.” On the beverage side is a full coffee bar featuring organic beans.

Tell me about Jenna Sue’s place in the community.

JENNA SUE LUPERTINO: Over the last several years, between the pandemic and wildfires, the locals have really stood behind us and kept our doors open. For instance, when Covid hit we had some regulars set up their own table right outside the restaurant and brew coffee to maintain that sense of community nostalgia in the face of such adversity and a nationwide shutdown. It really proved to me how much this place means to locals, and made me proud to be able to provide a space for people to come together, foster a sense of community and nurture personal relationships that mean so much to all of us.

Dish about your stupendous staff.

They are all amazing, I wouldn’t be able to run this place without them. Goldee, Jessica, Brooke and Jolena have all been here a long time, giving the place its unique charm and providing our guests with recognizable faces and personalities that really sets us apart. We’re like a well-oiled machine, we all work well together and the girls do such a great job and always with a smile.

13090 Highway 9, Boulder Creek, 831-703-4280; jennasues.wordpress.com

Elegant Sip

Vine & Dine

Josie Cowden

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September 11, 2024

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Coeur de Vigne cabernet sauvignon is produced by the Sullivan Rutherford Estate in Napa Valley. An intriguing dark-ruby red, this mouthwatering wine is an exceptional blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot and 6% petit verdot. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this is indeed a worth-the-splurge cab (about $80).

Its luscious aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, blue and black fruit, spiced cocoa, and notes of graphite and violets, delight the tongue and olfactory senses—ending with an elegant mouthfeel. Cab lovers can immerse their senses and be thrilled with every sip.

The Sullivan Rutherford Estate consists of 26 acres of vineyards and lush gardens—an “oasis for artists, chefs, friends and wine lovers.” It is open to visitors with an advance appointment. A reservation is also required for a wine tasting.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate Winery & Tasting Room, 1090 Galleron Road, St Helena, 707-963-9646. Sullivanwine.com

Big Basin’s Tasting Room

Enjoy wine by the glass or bottle at Big Basin’s tasting room—with local beer and non-alcoholic drinks available too. Try food pairings such as tapas-style plates of smoked trout salad, homemade empanadas, and cheese and charcuterie boards. Enjoy Big Basin’s gorgeous Grizzly Grenache as you cozy up inside, or outside by an outdoor firepit.

Big Basin Estate Vineyard & Winery, 525 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-515-7278. Bigbasinvineyards.com

Healthy Superfoods

Here are some delish supplements that are full of good stuff. Made by ActivatedYou, there’s a Superfood Protein Shake, with energizing mushrooms, and Morning Complete—a citrus medley flavor that is packed with healthy greens. Activatedyou.com. … And check out two herbal energy and vitality mixes made by Ojas—both vegan, caffeine free and easy to mix with your preferred milk. Try the Turmeric Ginger and the Cardamom Cinnamon. Ojas.store.

Ojasvitality.com.

Sensible Self-Help

Wellness

John Koenig

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September 11, 2024

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Laughter is the best medicine, right? Or maybe it’s food… Music soothes the soul, and nature is a boundless source for healing.

Self-help tips might seem old-school, but these days the medical world is finally catching on and recognizing them as legit solutions. Progressive clinicians are stepping up their game, realizing that social prescribing—or recommending lifestyle changes—isn’t just feel-good advice. It’s rooted in solid science.

Think about it: More than 80% of our health outcomes are shaped by the social factors around us, while just 16% of improvements are tied to what happens in a clinic. That makes social prescribing a pretty solid bet.

Staying healthy takes more than maintaining the right dosage. It’s about having access to essentials—clean air, good food, stable housing, and safety from violence and discrimination. Here in Santa Cruz, we’re lucky on most of those fronts. But it also means building a support system for our minds—a toolkit to manage stress, to find joy and purpose.

Here are five powerful social prescriptions that are gaining recognition as game-changers for boosting both mental and physical health, no medication required.

The Mediterranean Diet has already been linked to physical health, but new research finds that following the Mediterranean diet also can lift your mood, a lot. A group of studies from UCSF show a reduction in feelings of anxiety and depression of up to 32%.

Researchers also found that specific elements of a Mediterranean diet—vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains and legumes along with low consumption of sugary beverages—had the greatest impact.

The Mediterranean way of sharing meals with family and friends is equally important to enhancing feelings of wellbeing. A 2017 study concludes that people who eat socially are more likely to feel better about themselves and to have a wider social network capable of providing social and emotional support.

Researchers learned that evening meals make people feel closer than eating lunch together, and dinners at which laughter and reminiscences occur are especially likely to enhance feelings of connection.

Nature Walks and Forest Bathing: Reconnecting with nature can significantly reduce stress, improve mood and boost overall mental health. “Forest bathing,” or simply walking in green spaces, allows people to unplug from their daily grind, breathe in fresh air, and soak up the calming vibes of the natural world. It’s an immersive experience that lowers cortisol levels and fosters a sense of calm.

Arts and Crafts for Grownups: A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health reveals that people who participate in creative activities higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who don’t make time for arts and crafts. The study, conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, analyzed data from over 7,000 adults living in the United Kingdom. They found such activities significantly predicted a greater sense that life is worthwhile and higher levels of happiness.

Volunteering and Community Service: Giving back can be a powerful way to gain perspective and purpose. Volunteering has been shown to reduce depression and loneliness while boosting happiness and self-worth. It also builds community connections, creating a support network that can be vital for mental and emotional health. Looking for inspiration? At the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, their mission is simple: to transform our community through volunteerism and empower everyone to be the difference. with so many ways to give back, you’re bound to find an opportunity that works for you.

Social Clubs and Support Groups: From book clubs to support groups for specific conditions, social clubs provide a sense of belonging and community. They offer a regular social outlet and a platform for shared experiences, which can be especially helpful for those dealing with chronic illness, grief, or major life transitions.

Social prescriptions offer a refreshing and holistic approach to healthcare, embracing all aspects of what it truly means to be healthy. It’s time to start prescribing more joy, connection and community—one meaningful step at a time.

The Editor’s Desk

Letters to the Editor

Brad Kava

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September 11, 2024

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Santa Cruz California editor of good times news media print and web — Brad Kava | Good Times Editor

We have so many reasons to be upbeat about living in Santa Cruz County, not the least of which is the quality and variety of music. On any given night you can hear top-flight jazz, rock, folk, country or classical.

And compared to other markets, most of it is affordable and a lot is free. Christina Waters previews an upcoming symphony season that would merit a long-distance drive.

This symphony adds new twists to the classics, even a piece written by avant-garde musician Björk. If there is a criticism of our symphonic venue, it lacks perfect acoustics.

One of the pieces, Ceremonial Music, is composed by local Martin Gaskill, who explains: “I have the advantage of knowing what the Civic Auditorium acoustics are like, what the orchestra and audience setup is like, how the orchestra sounds, and who many of the players will be…I’ve got no anxieties about the concert.”

Another piece you will want to see and hear is a 25-minute concerto for orchestra and animated film, called Philharmonia Fantastique, which explores the connection between creativity and technology.

Last week Kristen McLaughlin covered the new crosswalk in Capitola with bright flashing stop signs and lane markings separating bikes and pedestrians from cars. Every time I drive by it, I wonder why the rest of our county doesn’t catch on. We have a horrible rate of bike and pedestrian injuries that could be partially solved with better-marked signs.

Some states have reflective tape on signposts that make them unmissable at night. Others have now put bright solar-powered lights on the poles holding traffic signals.

I’m disappointed that our highly paid county traffic bureaucrats haven’t done anything creative like these.

The newest exhibit by the Museum of Art & History is something to get excited about. Called “Common Ground,” it takes place in and out of the museum and includes sand art by Jim Denevan and his son Brighton, who will create a sand drawing that’s also a community collaboration.

The Denevans are known around the world, but I’m not sure if everyone here knows them. You should.

Thanks for reading.

Brad Kava | Editor

PHOTO CONTEST

FILM AWAY Shot on Kodak Portra 400 film, developed at Bay Photo. Photograph by Jesse Fox

GOOD IDEA

The Santa Cruz Interfaith Dayenu Circle: A Climate Action Group is hosting ClimateFest at Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos, Sept. 22 from 11:30am-4:30pm.

State Senator John Laird will speak at noon about how our voices can make a difference.

There will be live music, food, art, eco-fashion, kids activities and spiritual offerings. Attendees will learn how to advocate for climate action, find out the latest on home electrification and electric vehicles, engage in creative and experiential workshops and get tips on plant-based eating.

GOOD WORK

METRO is giving free fares to the Santa Cruz County Fair Sept.11-15.

There is a special bus, Route 79F, for free daily service to the Fairgrounds. There will also be free service on Route 79, Sept. 14,15.

Riders will receive discounted County Fair tickets from the drivers. Discounts are $15 for adults ($7 savings) and $5 for children ($6 savings).

Service will depart the Watsonville Transit Center on the hour from noon–10pm on weekdays and 10am–10pm on weekends and will offer a return trip at 25 past the hour from 12:25–10:25pm on weekdays and 10:25am–10:25pm on weekends.

For more info: scmetro.org/countyfair.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”

—Benjamin Franklin

LETTERS

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

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September 11, 2024

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DEVIL’S SLIDE HIKE

I really enjoyed the recent “Take a Hike with Richard” on Devil’s Slide!! Way back in 1971–1973 I hitchhiked a lot on Hwy. 1, going back and forth from SC to SF, while attending SF State.

My good buddy and I spent some very good times lurking around Devil’s Slide and even sleeping at/on/in the bunker/cannon mount a few times. The views were always breathtaking, the ocean sounds/howling winds were also a treat.

Steve Seymour

ONLINE COMMENTS

RE: Locals Applaud Capitola Crosswalk

This local (Rosedale Ave) does NOT applaud it. I turn up Hill Street and I follow traffic rules and get into the left hand turn lane when it occurs. At least 15 cars get into center lane as far as post office turn and I have almost been hit several times by impatient drivers.

Georgia A Jacques | goodtimes.sc

It is causing SO much congestion. There has to be a better way to make it safe for pedestrians—without causing new problems.

Plus all the cones (most of which are bent from getting run over because it’s confusing) make it super ugly.

Carrie | goodtimes.sc

Compliments for “keep open” zone with “Stay” white lines. Now at the first parking lot exits (car wash), don’t commit a death-defying pullout to turn left. All while others race to the stop sign splitting to three lanes! Often a 5, 6 car back up in the lot was waiting for clearing before exiting with minimal visibility and cross traffic. All who are lane changing in that block downtown on ramps, gas station, turn lights, etc. Hope this is clear. It’s so much safer with that open zone!

Mary G Allen | goodtimes.sc

What a confusing mess! I have NOT heard anyone here in Capitola who drives applaud this fiasco! If the Nob Hill entrance had a dedicated right lane only, increased safety and less congestion could have been achieved without the expense of crazy quilt colors and plastic barriers.

Marianne Cohn | goodtimes.sc

It seems like there are about three locals lauding. Otherwise on other forums there is an overwhelming dislike for the changes.

Generally when you restrict flow of a road or moving system, you create congestion. This has been my experience so far with the new changes.

While it may benefit the few who live across the street from Nob Hill, the majority who have to go to work and take their kids to school are suffering with added time and stress to their day.

Not to be insensitive, but the person who tragically lost their life was not crossing at an intersection and was hit by an allegedly drunk driver.

I believe this is city overreaction and jumping to solutions rather than hearing from all stakeholders.

Sadly, it seems we are all along for the ride at the whims of the City Council. Hopefully, there will be new candidates with better investment in the community running for office next election.

Paul | goodtimes.sc

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Things To Do This Week

GT Staff

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September 11, 2024

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THURSDAY

ELECTRONIC

CHROMEO

David “Dave 1” Macklovitch and Patrick “P-Thugg” Gemayel launched Chromeo in 2002. The Montreal-based electro-funk duo makes high-energy dance music with rock and disco elements. The duo has released six albums, with 2024’s playfully titled Adult Contemporary as the latest. Chromeo’s modern take on ’80s dance music has proven successful; two of their albums have reached the number-one spot on the US dance charts. Chromeo has also carved out a successful niche by remixing the work of other artists, including Vampire Weekend, Lorde, Maroon 5 and even Elvis Presley. Ruth Radelet opens. BILL KOPP

INFO: 8pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $47/adv, $52/door. 713-5492.

FRIDAY

EXPERIMENTAL

CHUCK JOHNSON

With his early trio of albums (A Struggle Not A Thought, Crows in the Basilica and Blood Moon Boulder), producer, composer and musician Chuck Johnson established his talent and grace on the acoustic guitar. He introduced experimental electronics on subsequent albums and took the pedal steel to places it’s never been before, creating lush ambient soundscapes in the process. Unsurprisingly, he’s been chosen to soundtrack films for HBO, PBS and more. He is joined by Oakland’s equally experimental Mind Mirage at Indexical this Friday to kick off their Fall 2024 season. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN

INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. $16.

FOLK

NINA GERBER & CHRIS WEBSTER

Singer Chris Webster’s soulful, folksy voice, best known around these parts from her work with perennial world music favorites Mumbo Gumbo, is perfectly matched with virtuoso guitarist Nina Gerber, celebrated for her collaborations with folk legend Kate Wolf. These two women are known for their ability to support and collaborate within an ensemble, but they’re more than capable of holding the stage on their own. Seeing them as a duo is a real treat for audiences, who’ll hear the nuances of two master performers. Rags Rosenberg is in town from Carmel-by-the-sea to open the show. KLJ

INFO: 7pm, Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel. $25/adv, $28/door. 477-1341.

SATURDAY

AMERICANA

ANDY CHASE’S THUNDER & LIGHTNING BAND

Throughout his life, Andy Chase has lived all over the world but finally landed in his beloved Amarillo, Texas; his music is a testament to that: part rock and part country, with dashes of honky-tonk and western swing blended for a pure Americana cocktail. Chase’s Thunder & Lightning Band’s latest album shows the band doing what they do best with a mix of horns, pedal steel and slide guitar. This Saturday’s show at the Crow’s Nest will be bittersweet as it’s drummer David Dalessandro’s retirement show, meaning it will also be a hell of a party. MAT WEIR

INFO: 9pm, Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz. $8. 476-4560.

INDIE

INNER WAVE

Inner Wave is a pleasant breath of fresh air in a world of preprogrammed beats and heavy distortion. Formed in the mid-aughts, the band has evolved to embrace an alternative indie-pop sound drawing from influences like the Arctic Monkeys, the Strokes and Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece, Blade Runner. Their psychedelic, dreamy pop style is playfully intriguing, calling upon the listener to step through the doors of perception into a world of dancing fantasy. For fans of Tame Impala, MGMT and the Red Pears, get ready for Inner Wave to wash away the day’s troubles. MW

INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $32/adv, $36/door. 479-1854.

MONDAY

JAZZ

ADRIAN LEGG

When guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani singles a peer out as “simply the best acoustic guitar player I’ve ever heard,” we’d be wise to notice. Englishman Adrian Legg will sit onstage on his stool with a crowd of custom electric/acoustic hybrid guitars within reach and more pedals than the Tour de France as he shows off his unique electric fingerstyle guitar playing while also sharing stories and observations from a lifetime of traveling the globe making music. KLJ

INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $35-$37. 427-2227.

TUESDAY

AUTHOR EVENT

JOSEPH E STIGLITZ

Joseph Stiglitz, a leading economist and winner of the Nobel Prize, is discussing his latest book, The Road to Freedom, with Dr. Chris Benner. The book critically analyzes American economic and political systems, asking the question: Are we really free? During his time as an economic advisor to presidents and as a chief economist at the World Bank, Stiglitz has witnessed firsthand how the economic and political worlds affect each other. He argues that blind dedication to the “neoliberal experiment” only benefits the elite, and he provides tools for a better future through collective action, regulation and investment. A copy of the book is included with each ticket. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE

INFO: 7pm, London Nelson Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. $39-$44. 423-0900.

WEDNESDAY

INDIE

CHATTERTON

Chatterton built a devoted following on Bandcamp with demos featuring Brock Pierce as a solo artist. This past March, their long-awaited debut studio album (the result of Pierce partnering with multi-instrumentalist and producer Logan Scrivner) was released to critical acclaim in the Independent Music Press for its nineties-influenced lo-fi buzziness, with some acoustic guitar and even a touch of slide guitar mixed in. Think Sonic Youth at their shoegaze-iest. KLJ

INFO: 6pm, SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 426-5242.

REGGAE

ROOTS OF CREATION

New Hampshire-based Roots of Creation begins with a dub reggae foundation, then applies rock, electronic and pop sensibilities to the music, creating a deep groove that resonates with the jam band crowd. Their latest release, Grateful Dub: A Reggae-infused Tribute to the Grateful Dead, applies that approach to the music of the Dead, and the hybrid comes off quite well. Some of the recast arrangements (like Jerry Garcia’s “Sugaree”) are nearly unrecognizable as Grateful Dead songs, while classics like “Ripple” fit seamlessly into the reggae idiom. Somehow, it all works. And in a nod to the Dead’s philosophy, Roots of Creation is a taper-friendly act. BK

INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $22/adv, $25/door. 704-7113.

Sofia Isella—from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to the Catalyst

Music

sstreet

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September 4, 2024

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Sofia Isella—from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to the Catalyst

Just weeks after opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, to a crowd of 90,000 at a sold-out Wembley Stadium in London, Sofia Isella is hitting the road on her first-ever headline tour with her first stop at the Catalyst in downtown Santa Cruz.

A prolific young singer/songwriter, ISELLA (who spells her name in all caps for artistic purposes) is a classically trained violinist, poet and self-proclaimed “slut for words.” ISELLA enjoys the contrast between her experience on stage in a sold-out arena and playing in much smaller and more intimate venues like the Catalyst.

“Both are great in their way. Wembley feels like an explosion of WOW! The small venues feel like home, where everyone can see you breathe and count the hairs on your head,” ISELLA says.

While playing in front of 90,000 people is huge, ISELLA’s biggest moment at Wembley wasn’t when she was playing but rather during the soundcheck, looking out at the empty coliseum, seeing the sheer size of it, and testing her mic.

“Soundcheck was the biggest moment for me. When I’m on stage I’m not processing anything, I’m just doing it and running on the heat of it. Soundcheck is when I can look around, and it was one of the biggest feelings of my life.”

After playing at Wembly, ISELLA looks forward to the Catalyst show: “The small venues feel like home, where everyone can see you breathe and count the hairs on your head.”

Having practiced four to five hours a day since the age of three, ISELLA is an expert violinist with a background in Scottish fiddle music. However, her interest in and subsequent production of pop music didn’t come until she was 13, when she first began listening to it.

As a poet, ISELLA takes influences from prolific female poets like Margaret Atwood, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton. As a musician, she has a background as a classically trained violinist and a love of ’90s alternative rock, mixing the two in a unique style. “Hot Gum,” an electrifying mix of indie pop and spoken verse that got more than 10 million streams on Spotify, began first as a beat to which she later added her poetry.

“Either I start with words, like poetry, and then add it later on into a production I made (or co-made) that I love, or start with production first, then find sentences in my notebook from past free writes. ‘Hot Gum’ started with a beat, and I just hummed a rhythm on top of it,” the songwriter says.

If she had any advice for up-and-coming musicians, it would be “Get offline, stop scrolling, save yourself!”

Her move from Wembley to a headlining tour across her home state of California begins Sept. 7 at 8pm at the Catalyst. It is a 16+ show, and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6

Local News

Todd Guild

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September 4, 2024

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Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously appointed Undersheriff Chris Clark to take the agency’s lead role, a decision that was backed by several members of the public and the leaders of numerous agencies that addressed the board.

This included both Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell and Chief Public Defender Heather Rogers.

Under Clark, Rogers said that her department has made several advances in helping incarcerated people receive services and representation.

“I can say without hesitation that he is open-minded, he is collaborative, and he is absolutely committed to this community,” Rogers said.

Rosell described Clark as “compassionate, cooperative and deeply committed to public safety.”

“I cannot say enough about Chris Clark, and I can tell you without reservation that this is the right choice for everyone,” he said.

County Supervisor Zach Friend said that said the tension that exists in many other law enforcement agencies—and the high turnover—does not exist in the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office thanks to the leadership of Clark.

“I actually cannot think of anybody in this community, or anybody throughout this state, that would be more qualified to serve as Santa Cruz County Sheriff than Chris Clark,” Friend said. “He has the compassion, the worldview, the dignity, the ethics, the approach that will make you absolutely represent our community at the highest level.”

Clark will officially start on Dec. 6, when current Sheriff Jim Hart retires. He will be up for reelection in 2028.

He said he plans to bring back in-person visits to the jail system, which were stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic, a problem made worse by low staffing issues.

“It’s important for incarcerated parents and the children of incarcerated parents to be able to get together and have an opportunity to bond,” he said.

He also plans to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis and go after “high-level dealers.”

Clark says he will staff and certify the county’s DNA lab, and improve the systems charged with medical and mental healthcare for inmates.

“Given the rise in substance use and mental health disorder, it’s no secret that our office is running one of the largest mental health facilities in the county,” he said.

Clark said he plans to run again when his term ends.

“This is my life’s work,” he said. “I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.”

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The Editor’s Desk

Letters

Brew Chew

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Free Will Astrology

Taste Sensation

Sense of Place

Elegant Sip

Sensible Self-Help

The Editor’s Desk

PHOTO CONTEST

GOOD IDEA

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

LETTERS

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Sofia Isella—from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to the Catalyst

Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6

Free Will Astrology

Taste Sensation

Sense of Place

Elegant Sip

Sensible Self-Help

The Editor’s Desk

LETTERS

Things to do in Santa Cruz

Sofia Isella—from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour to the Catalyst

Supervisors Appoint Chris Clark as Sheriff, Effective Dec. 6